Group & Sole Use Bookings
Perfect for groups of all types
With over thirty years experience hosting a wide variety of groups, we will be delighted to work with you to tailor the perfect package for your school, club, family or other group stay.
Whether you simply want a place to stay, or are looking for an all-inclusive option, don’t hesitate to get in touch and we’ll be happy to help.
What we’re good for:
- Family reunions, birthdays gatherings other get togethers
- School, university and club excursions
- Duke of Edinburgh expeditions and training trips
- Bottom Bunk Club (Winter offer for Exclusive Use for more than 10 people)
Why choose us:
- High quality good value catering options for groups of all sizes
- Exclusive use of the hostel available for your peace of mind
- Open to DIY activity trips, helping to keep costs down
- Location ideal for easy supervision and group safety
- Excellent educational experiences nearby
- Social living experience
- Safe, friendly environment for child’s first ‘away from home’ experience
Exclusive Use bookings, where the whole Hostel is booked by one group, are governed by a separate set of Terms and Conditions.
Please note that the hostel is reserved for exclusive use bookings from November to February (no individual bookings). Exclusive use may also be available at other times, please reach out to us through our Group Bookings form here.
Both for exclusive use bookings, we encourage planning visits to allow you to familiarise yourself with the hostel and surrounding area. For first time groups, we offer a free night accommodation for two people as part of the planning process.
Please reach out to us for group catering options, we are able to curate a menu for your group. Whether it’s a school group, family gathering, a birthday meal, or other special occasion, or just a hearty dinner after a big day on the hills, we love bringing people together around good food. From Christmas dinners to Burns Night suppers, we’re always happy to cook up something memorable for your group, and would be delighted to talk through options with you.
If you have any questions about your group booking please do get in touch, or to make a booking enquiry for a group of any size please use our form here.
Guest Feedback
Thank you for another wonderful residential stay for our Year 6 children. You always look after us so well and nothing is too much trouble. The children thought their accommodation was fabulous and the food delicious! We are already looking forward to coming again next year!” – Bolton Brow School
“I celebrated my 70th birthday by booking the whole hostel for family and friends for a weekend. Charlie and Andy not only keep the place spotlessly clean, but provided the substantial breakfasts and dinner on time and piping hot for a mixed group ranging from 2 to 75 years old. They kept the bar well stocked, advised on parking, things to do in the area and answered all questions with a cheery smile. All of us agreed that they helped to make our stay such a lovely and enjoyable occasion.” – Alan White
We’re delighted to share that we have again received the Travellers’ Choice award from @tripadvisor !
A big thank you to all our guests and everyone who’s left us a review this year!
Summer season is well and truly upon us, but there’s still plenty of availability if you still haven’t booked your next stay!
#travellerschoice #thankyou #lakedistrictnationalpark #elterwater #lakedistricthikers
A cup of tea, a misty morning, and this glorious old tree!
#treesofinstagram #notjustlakes #lakedistrict #lakedistrictviews #morningbrew
One of our favourite views, but we’ll give the bench a miss for now 🤦♂️
#langdalepikes #elterwater #lakedistrict #lakedistrictwalking #lakedistrictlife
A moment of calm, water under the bridge, Elterwater.
#elterwater #calm #relax #nature #lakedistrictlife
These lovely ladies stayed with us as part of their 3 Day Cumbria Way attempt. Cracking weather for it!
#fellrunning #cumbriaway #getoutside #exploremore #lakedistrictwalks
Slater’s Bridge, in Little Langdale, just a short walk from the Hostel, which dates back to the 17th Century, was described by Alfred Wainwright as “the most picturesque footbridge in Lakeland, a slender arch constructed of slate from the quarries and built to give the quarrymen a shorter access from their homes”
Some of our favourite walks from the front door take us over this beautiful old bridge.
📷 @geobilb0
#slatersbridge #langdale #lakedistrictwalks #lakedistrictphotography #lakedistrictlife
We’re Hiring: Hostel Assistant
Elterwater Independent Hostel, Lake District
Immediate start | Seasonal role until the end of September (with potential for more!)
Do you enjoy working with people, take pride in creating welcoming spaces, and don’t mind rolling up your sleeves? We’re looking for a friendly and flexible Hostel Assistant to join our team for the busy summer season.
This is a varied, hands-on role where no two days are the same. You’ll support across reception, housekeeping, and food & beverage, helping us deliver a warm welcome, high standards, and a memorable guest experience.
What We’re Looking For
A positive, can-do attitude
Reliable and adaptable
Happy to work flexible hours, including weekends and bank holidays
Pride in delivering excellent customer service and maintaining clean, welcoming spaces
Previous hospitality experience is helpful but not essential — we value enthusiasm, a strong work ethic, and a willingness to learn above all else.
What We Offer
Minimum of 30 hours per week
Pay at National Living Wage
Accommodation availabl
The opportunity to work in one of the most beautiful parts of the Lake District.
Interested?
To find out more, please email your CV and a short note explaining why you’d like to join the team to:
adrian@elterwaterhostel.co.uk
#jobs #hospitalityjob #jobsincumbria #lakedistrictuk #lakedistrictnationalpark
Dinner is served 🍽️
Join us from 6–8pm for a relaxed evening meal, with everything from Cumberland sausage & mash and chilli (beef or 5 bean) to curries, pasta, quiche and 12” pizzas.
Fancy something lighter? We’ve got soups, toasted sandwiches & baguettes too. And don’t skip dessert… sticky toffee pudding is calling 👀
Non-residents welcome – come in, grab a table, and enjoy!
New breakfast menu now being served! 🍳☕️
Join us daily from 7:30–9:30am for everything from a hearty Cumbrian breakfast or veggie Fell Walker, to pancakes, pastries, and breakfast sandwiches.
Pair it with our fresh bean-to-cup coffee for the perfect start to your day.
Non-residents welcome – pop in and enjoy!
We’re delighted to share that we’ve been awarded a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5-star Food Hygiene Rating! A huge thank you to our fantastic team for their hard work and commitment to maintaining the highest standards.
We’re also excited to introduce our refreshed dining experience, with new menus and a more relaxed, café-style approach. You can now enjoy:
🥐 Breakfast served between 7:30am – 9:30am
🍽️ Evening meals available from 6:00pm – 8:00pm
It’s all about great food in a more casual, welcoming setting.
Keep an eye out for more posts coming soon as we showcase our new menus… we can’t wait for you to try them!
A fantastic effort from Jen and Rich, completing this year’s first Elterwater Hostel 23 Before Tea round in 8 hours 35 minutes.
The day was also a recce for Jen’s planned attempt to break the female record later this year — so watch this space.
Best of all, they were welcomed back to the hostel with tea and sticky toffee brownie, which sounds like just about the perfect finish.
Well done both!
#ElterwaterHostel #23BeforeTea
Bring your group together around the breakfast table!
There’s something special about starting the day with good friends, good food, fresh coffee, and time to connect before the day’s adventures begin.
When you stay with us as a group, you can add our buffet breakfast served in a relaxed space to gather and plan the day ahead, perfect for walking groups, school trips, retreats, corporate teams, or friends exploring the Lakes together. Fuel up, slow down, and start the day right together.
Get in touch to add group breakfast to your booking!
